Although I've already said this is photoshopped, what if Nikon were to make a small EP1/GF1 sized camera but with a small sensor such as on a compact camera. Some high zoom compact models already have fixed lenses that go from 28-560mm. Wouldn't that be nice to be able to change lenses on such a small camera like that? 18-400 would be believable then, no?

If this rumour were true, then I really don't think that this lens will kill any sales as I don't think IQ will be this lense's strong suite. It might (provided if) become a choice kit lens, provided that it will sell at around $1000 but that is pretty much it.

BTW, it is not really possible to make a 18-400 zoom, If it's a size that fit inside the same size box like the 18-200 then it would be F3.5-8 and F8 would be dark and hard to AF, or the lens would be huge to allow a max F stop near the F 5.6 area

I think the believable part of this is the fact that Nikon wants to appeal to amateurs and get them to their lineup. Superzooms really enable an all-in-one solution. If this is real then I think they can haul in some serious mamarazzis/soccer moms/ tourists :)

I doubt that such a lens exists.. Mostly because versatility usually comes with poor performance. Imagine the 400mm end and 18mm end.. also what would be the aperture? f/3.5-8?
It would be soft at everything but 200mm.. There's a reason why lots of people don't shoot the 18-200 and pick a 16-85, 17-55, 70-200 and/or 50 instead...

Seriously, why would Nikon produce that, if it were possible? It would kill the sale of pretty much every lens that Nikon currently makes. And if it is ever produced, expect to give up a large chunk of your annual income for that.